This day started well before dawn, to avoid the heat, and the downs were ribboned with mist as we drove across them in the pale light. As we turned between the stone posts of our destination, we saw the security gates were fastened open in welcome, and they swung closed behind us, for this place is well protected.

No doubt we were on camera as we parked by the outbuildings and unpacked our vehicle. The dog unpacked herself, anxious to start.


Rabbits ran in as we approached. Our preliminary recce two weeks ago had shown where we would be working today, and the gardener had kindly strimmed some of the nettles.

We netted three large buries: one was in the rhododendrons and therefore almost clear of vicious plant life, and the other two had until recently been masked with nettles and brambles, retaining sufficient of each to make us wince now and then as we encountered a stray frond.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette July 30